Simple Woman's Daybook - February 1, 2016

Joining in at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my window... not much to look at. Grey, brown, cold, damp. Glad to be indoors in the coziness...

I am thankful for... Pinterest! We were in a bit of a rut with dinners, so I found some new dishes to try on the family, and already, three of them have received unanimous thumbs up!

In the kitchen... chicken noodle soup in the crockpot. Mmmmm... Smells so good in here!

I am wearing... my Maine hoodie with jeans (standard uniform).

I am creating... whipping up a quick Runaround Cowl as a last-minute gift for a friend. This is my go-to knit when I want to give a little handmade gift.

I am going... to the Empowered to Connect conference in April! The conference is being held in Nashville, but I will go to the simulcast at Willow Creek Church in S. Barrington. Two full days of Dr. Karyn Purvis and her marvelous wisdom about parenting children who experienced trauma in their lives before joining their families. We have witnessed such encouraging growth in our own family since applying her techniques.

I am currently reading... I broke down and got Call the Midwife from the library to read in between chapters of Anything. I've only read the introduction so far, but already I'm enjoying it...

I am hoping... that this sinus pressure I woke up with this morning doesn't turn into anything significant.

I am looking forward to... hearing about Rachel's trip to the high school today. They get a tour of the school, hear about different classes and activities, and talk with a counselor about their classes next year. I can't believe she's going to be in high school! Glad to see that she's excited about it...

I am hearing... Angel snoring away at my feet as I type!

Around the house... don't ask.

A favorite quote for today...

One of my favorite things... I just discovered how amazing the chai tea lattes are at Panera (I order mine extra strong). SO much better than Starbucks!

A few plans for the rest of the week... David and I have a date for the super-fun Mother/Son Bingo night on Friday! On Saturday evening, I'll be attending a choir concert at Northern Illinois University that Hannah's Bella Voce choir will be participating in. 

A peek into my day... hitting the grocery stores today (I usually do this on Tuesdays, but the weather tomorrow is supposed to be dreadful with driving rain and wind). Floor hockey for David and piano and violin lessons for Abbie after school.

A picture I'd like to share...

Just one day's worth of letters from colleges that have come in the mail for Hannah. And she's only a sophomore!

Simple Woman's Daybook - January 25, 2016

Joining in at The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... cold, grey, colorless winter day. But the sunrise this morning was breathtaking - pink and purple clouds surrounding a huge, orange ball of sun.

I am thinking... I'd like to start blogging again. I have no idea how I'll fit one more thing on my plate, but I'd like to give it a try. I'd really like to have this record of our family's life to look back on.

I am thankful for... the opportunity to play violin yesterday at our new church home, Sanctuary in Batavia. Our family has really grown there over the past two years, especially the kids, and we've all been blessed with many opportunities to serve.


In the kitchen... homemade mac and cheese in the crockpot. The kids are gonna be happy, since I don't make it too often.

A favorite quote for today...

I am wearing... Kaneland plaid flannel pants, grey tee shirt. The epitome of high fashion...

I am creating... knitting a scarf for Al, a hat for me, and an afghan for our TV room.

I am currently reading... Anything by Jennie Allen. I'm participating in a book discussion at church, and really enjoying connecting with the women in my group.

I am looking forward to... the 8th grade open house at the high school with Rachel. I can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that she'll be in high school next year. But she seems to be looking forward to it, and I'm really excited for her.

I am learning... my way around the new MacBook Pro Al gave me for Christmas. Hannah has had a Mac for a couple of years, and she's enjoying showing me all the things I can do with my new laptop!

I am hearing... quiet. Just the tick of the kitchen clock, the hum of the refrigerator, the tapping of my keyboard.

Around the house... a mess. I don't know if I'll ever get ahead of it.

A few plans for the rest of the week... lunch with a friend on Wednesday and coffee with another friend on Friday. I'm making a conscious effort to spend time with the good friends I've made over the last few years.

A peek into my day... Monday is typically my at-home day - a day to catch up after a busy weekend, plan for the rest of the week, and enjoy the quiet of my home.

A picture I'd like to share...

Rachel's 8th Grade science project was due last week

Simple Woman's Day Book - April 14

Outside my window... After several beautiful Spring-like days, a cold, cloudy, windy, wet, looks-like-snow day.

I am thinking... good thing I didn't pack away the warm jackets just yet!

I am thankful for... taking a moment last night to have David try on his outfit for tomorrow's Kindergarten presentation. For some reason, the shirt is ENORMOUS on him, and at least we have time to run out this morning and get him something that fits better.

In the kitchen... not much. It's grocery day. Again. 

I am wearing... old jeans, sweatshirt I don't mind getting dirty in the kitchen, warm slippers. Comfort is key...

I am creating... some sort of order out of chaos.

I am going... to stay home alone this afternoon and get caught up around here!

I am wondering... if I shouldn't just take a nap instead...

I am currently reading... Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine. Learning about goal-setting and time management.

I am hoping... to be able to squeeze some knitting and guitar in this week.

I am looking forward to... the trip to Washington, DC that Hannah and I are taking in June. We booked our flights this morning, and it's time to really start thinking about what we'd like to see and do while we're there.

I am learning... "The House of the Rising Sun" on guitar. Right-hand arpeggios. Tricky stuff, but I'm loving it...

I am hearing... some real guitarists on Pandora. Good inspiration...

Around the house... laundry piles, dishes, new Easter clothes and shoes, outgrown clothes and toys we're gathering to pass on, both flip flops and boots cluttering the mudroom floor (a sure sign of Spring in these parts)...

I am pondering... that I don't want to just "survive" the next several busy weeks, but to savor and enjoy them, even if just a moment at a time. Our family will never be in this "place" again, and I don't want to miss it just because I was too preoccupied with schedules and meals and laundry...

A favorite quote for today... 

 

One of my favorite things... Open House at the elementary school. I love seeing what the kids have been doing during the school year, and they are so proud to show off their accomplishments.

A few plans for the rest of the week... David's Kindergarten program on Tuesday, Abbie's 4th Grade recorder presentation on Wednesday, Hannah's 14-year Gotcha Day on Wednesday, elementary school Open House on Thursday, Hannah's 15th birthday on Friday, Al's and my 17-year anniversary on Saturday, and Easter on Sunday. Deep breath...

A peek into my day... Rushing out to Children's Place to get David a dress shirt. Afternoon at home getting caught up around the house. Grocery shopping this evening. Trying to stay warm.

A picture I'd like to share...

We celebrated Hannah's 14-year Gotcha Day with our travel group this weekend...

Simple Woman's Daybook - April 7, 2014

Outside my window... Spring is finally beginning to make its presence known! Grey skies, chilly and damp, but a definite feel of Spring...

I am thinking... through our schedule/calendar for the next two months. Spring Break is over and this is the final big push to Summer. Lots of birthdays, performances and events on the calendar...

I am thankful for... an enjoyable Spring Break. We didn't do anything particularly special, but there was lots of fun time with friends for all four kids, and a good amount of "down time" for me...

In the kitchen... not much. I did a lot of improvising for meals during Break, and now it's time to re-stock at the grocery store and get back to the meal plan.

I am wearing... old black yoga pants, Al's Bears tee shirt, old brown fleece cardigan, my LL Bean Wicked Good Slippers (because Monday mornings should be comfy, don't you think?).

I am creating... a cabled afghan for Al and me in a soft light blue. I made one for my mom and one for Al's mom, but now it's time for one for us!


I am going... to meet my friend Jacquie for coffee today while all the kids are in school. I don't get much "grownup time" with friends these days, and I'm really looking forward to it!

I am wondering... how I'm ever going to get everything done these next two months...

I am currently reading... Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford, about letting go of some of the "busy" in our lives to really enjoy what matters, namely our families. I can't decide if it's an inspiring or guilt-inducing read. Probably both.

I am hoping... to make some progress on my decluttering around here. I see tiny glimpses of progress, but there's a loooooong way to go...

I am looking forward to... the trip to Washington, DC that Hannah and I will take as soon as school gets out (her 8th Grade graduation gift). Can't wait to share our love of history!

I am learning... how to play the guitar! Al gave me a guitar for my big 50th birthday last summer. I've wanted to get one and learn to play for over 20 years! I started lessons in February and am making some good progress. Now if I could only find some quiet time to practice every day...

I am hearing... "Curious George" on TV (David's favorite), with intermittent chuckles from my boy...

Around the house... typical Monday morning mess. Time to get back on track with the tidying routine...

A favorite quote for today... 

(This little dog reminds me of our Angel)

One of my favorite things... My "Edgar Meyer Radio" station on Pandora. Great guitar inspiration...

A few plans for the rest of the week... Easter shopping (stuff for the kids' baskets and outfits for me and the kids), coffee with a friend, guitar lesson, juggling kids' rehearsal schedules, Hannah's Gotcha Day party on Saturday (not here!), the Kaneland Community Fine Arts Festival on Sunday (Abbie's string group is playing).
 

A peek into my day... laundry, paperwork, groceries, and general running around (beautifully interrupted by aforementioned coffee with a friend).

A picture I'd like to share...

David enjoying a Spring-like day last week!

Simple Woman's Daybook - May 28th

(Hosted by Simple Woman's Daybook)

Outside my window...it is just beginning to get light outside. The clouds are thick and we are expecting rain. The birds are awake and singing.

I am thinking... about summer vacation. About doing fun things with the family, yet balancing with quiet, rest, time for reflection. Giving the kids space to be "bored" and to figure out what to do about it themselves.

I am thankful for... the last two days of rest I have enjoyed after a very busy and stressful spring season. All good stuff, but still stressful.

In the kitchen... serving pieces from the party we had with Rachel's group on Saturday. All clean and stacked and waiting to be put away. And two new counter stools we bought yesterday. And ingredients for a couple of homemade treats (granola bars, puppy chow) - I'm looking forward to more cooking/baking from scratch again.

I am wearing... my warm brown Lands' End fleece cardigan, found at Goodwill for $5 and worn daily around the house this winter and spring.

I am creating... a plan for our summer. A rough outline for each day to make sure chores, summer reading, and instrument practice get done. Plugging items from our Summer Bucket List into the calendar so we "do" them instead of just think about doing them.

I am going... to Rhode Island for a few days in August (I hope). To visit with my mom and Larry and Mimi and to attend a big 50th birthday bash with my high school classmates.

I am wondering... how many times I will have to say, "I don't care about 'the other kids', I'm talking about you!"

I am currently reading... The Knitter's Life List, sort of a bucket list for knitters.

I am hoping... that our little garden produces some good food this summer. So far we've had plenty of good rain, and the little sprouts are looking healthy. 

I am looking forward to... my Mom's visit in a few weeks. We're going to the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair in Grayslake while she's here.

I am learning... about knitting with lace-weight yarn. It's tricky and slow-moving, but the results are very pretty.

I am hearing... the birds outside the window, the hum of the refrigerator, the gurgle of the coffee pot.

Around the house...  lots of little projects getting done. New pictures being hung on the walls, closets and drawers and boxes being purged of unnecessary stuff, cleared surfaces I hope to keep cleared.

I am pondering... what's next for me (rapidly approaching "big" birthdays will do that).

A favorite quote for today... 

 

One of my favorite things... the promise of summer vacation after a long, busy school year. The potential, the possibilities, the Bucket List, the "down time".

A few plans for the rest of the week... the last three days of school for the girls; grocery shopping with David for the first time in months; getting him some much-needed summer clothes and shoes; taking the kids swimming on the last day of school.

 

A peek into my day... Aldi, Target, Abbie's violin lesson, ham casserole for dinner. That's enough.

A picture I'd like to share...

David and Angel sharing a quiet moment yesterday morning...

Simple Woman's Daybook - June 18th (Post Vacation Edition)

(Hosted by Simple Woman's Daybook)

Outside my window... grass is dry from the heat, and the weeds are overgrown.

I am thinking... of all the things I need to do to get our family back to normal after vacation, and where to start with all the fun activities I have planned. There are lots of lists involved.

I am thankful for... the time we spent visiting with family in New England these past two weeks. And for the closeness that grew among the six of us during the trip.

I am wearing... my coffee cup jammies and a pink hoodie. Gonna take it slow this morning.

I am going... through my Pinterest boards, planning a few fun things to do with the family this week.

I am creating... this year's Christmas list. Already. One of the bloggers I read regularly (Clover Lane) gets all her Christmas shopping done by the first Sunday in Advent so she can really enjoy the season with her family. That's my goal.

I am currently reading... nothing. I spent all my car time on vacation knitting a baby gift for our niece's new baby girl, and am now working on a Christmas gift. Besides, reading in the car makes me sick. But I'm ready to dive into Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See this summer.

I am learning...how to knit cables. It's not hard!

I am hoping... to get started on painting our bedroom and bathroom downstairs. We're moving our bedrooms around this summer and I'd better get started as it's going to be a big job.

I am looking forward to...checking out the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair this Saturday. All that yarn and knitting - mmmmm...

I am hearing... the hum of the air conditioner (it's hot here) and that's about it. My exhausted family are all sleeping in, giving me some cherished quiet time.

In the kitchen... not much. The cupboards and fridge are bare, and I must do a big grocery shop today to restock. But there is fresh fruit - lots of it - as I sent Al to the Jewel last night. It's so yummy this time of year, and a welcome treat after all that fast food on the road.

Around the house... suitcases and backpacks to unpack, piles of laundry to wash, just a big ol' mess.

One of my favorite things... this early morning quiet time of mine.

A few plans for the rest of the week... besides unpacking and doing laundry, a trip to the library to stock up on summer reading material and sign up for the summer reading program, a mom's night here with the moms from Hannah's China group, the fiber fair, and a reception for our adoption social worker who is retiring. And I think I see a Slip 'n Slide in there, too!

A peek into my day...grocery shopping and a Target run, but mostly just getting us all settled in at home. Hoping it's not too hot for the kids to play outside.

A picture I'd like to share...

The Cormier Crew, Camden, Maine

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 15th

(Hosted by Simple Woman's Daybook.)

Outside my window... sunny, clear, and... chilly! It's in the low 50s this morning! Fall is giving me a sneak preview and I couldn't be happier!

I am thinking... about our new fall schedule. Trying to prioritize all the opportunities. Just because something is "good" doesn't necessarily mean we should put it in our schedule. Trying to keep a balance between taking advantage of great activities and leaving time for family and rest.

I am thankful for... our church. We missed three weeks in a row while on vacation, and I didn't realize just how much I missed the worship, sermons and fellowship until we returned yesterday morning!


I am wearing... my Green Bay Packers flannel pants (green and gold!), grey tee shirt Al brought me from a business trip to Arizona many years ago, a grey hoodie sweatshirt, and socks! It sure is chilly this morning!

I am going... all over the internet, checking out the books for the Bible studies our church's Women's Ministry is offering this fall. Trying to choose the right one for me, though they all look great!

I am creating... a little more order around the house, getting ready for the busy school days ahead. Gotta get my "organized" on!

I am currently reading... trying to finish The Help so I can go see the movie soon. I hear the movie is just as good as the book, which is a rare and wonderful thing.

I am hoping... that the kids feel they had a great summer vacation. Aside from our trip to New England, we didn't do anything particularly spectacular. But we spent a lot of time together and did a lot of little things, and I hope we made some good memories for them.

I am hearing... silence, broken up with little stirrings by David - he'll be up soon.

In the kitchen... gotta make another batch of these granola bars. They disappear quickly! Also, working on a list of tasty, healthy school-day breakfast and lunch ideas for the kids.

Around the house... new school supplies, lunch sacks, school shoes, and first-day outfits.

One of my favorite things... getting ready for the new school year!

A few plans for the rest of the week... finish up back-to-school shopping, sleepover for Hannah, middle school open house, David's school supply drop-off, Hannah getting her new contact lenses, getting back to singing with our church's Worship Choir, an evening with Hannah's China group, hosting David's China group here. (Whew!)

A picture I'd like to share...

Hannah recently started her oboe lessons with her Dad and attended 6th grade Band Camp last week. She loved it, and is really motivated to do well. Here, she is practicing on her own during a 45-minute practice session.